What Actually Happens During Auto Transport Pickup and Delivery?

So, you've decided to ship a car. Good. You probably have questions. Most people do. This ain't like mailing a letter. Let's break down what actually goes down during pickup and delivery when you're moving a vehicle.

First, The Quote and Booking

Before anything rolls, you need a quote. Go to the AMG Transport Co. website, plug in your details. We give honest quotes, no hidden fees. We're a reputable auto transport broker Texas, and frankly, we're good at this. You'll get an idea of the open car carrier transport cost or enclosed auto transport for luxury cars if that's what you need. Things like vehicle type (shipping an SUV vs sedan cost difference), distance (say, ship a car from Houston to Los Angeles), and the type of carrier all affect the price. That's what affects car shipping cost per mile. We work to keep rates reasonable. That's part of what a good broker does.

Once you book, we get to work. We find the right carrier for your needs. We use a network of vetted, insured carriers. These are the guys who know the roads. Part of our job is coordination, finding the right truck for your car, whether it's nationwide vehicle shipping door to door or a specific route like relocating to Florida ship car from Texas. We manage the frontend sales, the coordinating, and the backend systems. Carriers just want to drive. We handle the rest.

Preparing Your Vehicle for Pickup

Don't just hand over the keys and expect magic. A little prep goes a long way.

• Clean it. A clean car makes inspection easier. You'll want to note any existing damage.
• Remove personal items. Carriers aren't shippers of household goods. Your insurance won't cover your grandmother's china if it's in the trunk. Take it out.
• Fluid levels. Make sure fluids are topped off, but don't overfill the gas tank. Quarter tank is usually enough.
• Disable alarms. No one wants a car alarm blaring for 2,000 miles.
• Keys. Have a spare. The driver will need them.

If you're not shipping a running vehicle, that needs to be communicated upfront. Shipping a non-running vehicle what to know. These often require special equipment and cost more.

The Pickup: First Steps

This is where things start moving. We typically give a 72-hour pickup window. Drivers are dealing with traffic, weather, and other pickups. Exact times are tricky.

1. Driver Arrival and Vehicle Inspection

The driver will call you. They'll arrive at your specified pickup location. This is often door pick-up and delivery car transport service. The driver will inspect your vehicle thoroughly. You should be there. Walk around the vehicle with the driver. Note every scratch, ding, or dent. This is crucial.

2. The Bill of Lading (BOL)

This is your contract and your receipt. It's an essential document. The driver will fill it out. It details your vehicle's condition, origin, destination, and other information. Verify everything. We recommend taking photos or video of your car's condition before it's loaded. Photos timestamped are even better. This covers your rear if there's a dispute later. Both you and the driver will sign it. Keep your copy safe.

3. Loading the Vehicle

Once the paperwork is done, your vehicle will be loaded onto the carrier. For an open car carrier transport cost, it'll be out in the elements, but it's the most common and often cheapest method. For enclosed auto transport for luxury cars or a classic car transport enclosed carrier, it will be protected. We offer both.

The Journey: What Happens In Between

Your car is now on its way. The driver will be moving across the country. How long does car shipping take cross country depends on distance, weather, and other stops. Cross-country trips, like cross-country car transport from coast to coast, can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks. As a vehicle logistics company Texas, we track things. But remember, roads are dangerous. Drivers have enough to deal with besides giving you hourly updates. That's our job as the broker.

The Delivery: The Final Stage

Similar to pickup, the driver will call you to arrange delivery. Expect another 72-hour window. Your location could be anywhere. We handle nationwide vehicle shipping door to door and locations like Texas to California expert broker.

1. Vehicle Inspection (Again)

This is critical. Before the driver unloads, or right after, inspect your vehicle immediately. Use your original BOL and your photos. Look for any new damage. This is why a good initial inspection is vital.

2. Confirming Condition and Signing Off

If there's new damage, note it immediately on the BOL. Get the driver to acknowledge it. This is your proof for any insurance claim. If everything looks good, sign the BOL. This confirms you've received your vehicle in satisfactory condition.

3. Final Payment

Many carriers prefer cash or certified funds for the remaining balance. We handle the deposit via Stripe, making that part easy. Make sure you understand the payment terms before pickup.

Why Use a Broker Like AMG Transport Co.?

Listen, you couldn't work with most carriers if you wanted to. They don't have the time or infrastructure to deal with individual customers. That's why brokers exist. We are your buffer. We find reliable drivers, manage the logistics, handle the initial payments, and provide customer support. We're a trusted car shipping broker reviews show we deliver. We ensure you're working with vetted insured carriers. This is a fraud-filled industry. You need a guiding light. That's us. We offer you peace of mind, from how much does it cost to ship a car cross country to getting your car safely delivered.

We provide a stronger customer experience. We handle everything from car shipping services Texas to best auto transport company for out-of-state moves and best auto transport company Texas. We deal with people. We know the difference between open carrier car shipping pros & cons and enclosed carrier benefits for exotic cars. We understand multi-car transport for families or vehicle shipping for dealerships. We make sure you get affordable car shipping without hidden fees. We're an experienced car shipping broker you can trust.

Don't cut corners with something as valuable as your vehicle. Do it right, do it with AMG Transport Co.

Ready to get your vehicle on the road? Get a quote today!

Written by Mike Matthews, Logistics Manager at AMG Transport Co.